Inspiring People: Meet Henrietta Speth, the 94-year-old tennis player

We are all striving for a long healthy life. At 94-years-old still hitting tennis balls three days a week, Henrietta Speth is showing us exactly how it’s done.

She began playing tennis in 1965 when a new raquetball court opened in her hometown and offered classes. At 38-years-old, Speth picked up a racket with a few of her girlfriends and has not put it down since.

“All four of us played cards but none of us played tennis so we all started. they had a ridge around the ceiling and our balls would be up there,” said Speth. “I loved it from the start.”

For two hours, three days a week, she keeps up with players half her age on the tennis courts at Rutenberg Park in Lee County.

“Oh, I love the activity. It’s a moving game,” said Speth.”I’ve always been active. When I was a little kid, I never walked to the store. I always ran.”

Speth is moving a lot in her 90s. She is also a painter and clothing designer. Speth designs and sews her own tennis outfits and has for years.

Born in 1927, she was the daughter of a seamstress and a dry cleaner.

“I think people take her for granted and assume that because of her age they are going to be able to over power her. And I don’t think that’s the case at all when you watch her play out here,” said Lyn Bruner, Executive Director of the Lee County Tennis Association.

Speth cheers on the younger generation and her fellow teammates to keep up the exercise.

“I’d say try it. You’ll like it,” said Speth.

Speth’s teammates say she is an inspiration to all of them. “We all want to be like her when we grow up.”

Even at 94-years-old, Speth has no plans of slowing down. She plans to keep playing as long her body allows it. “Until I drop dead,” said Speth.

The Lee County Community Tennis Association offers classes for all ages and courts are available from 7 a.m. to dusk, except on those courts that are lighted, which are open until 9 p.m.